AU2021106496A4 - Irrigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

An irrigation device comprises a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply through a fluid outlet, and a controller configured to actuate the flow control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for a predetermined period of time. The controller is further configured, in response to the predetermined period of time ending, to actuate the flow control device to stop discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet, and to send, or cause to be sent, a signal to a first other irrigation device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the first other irrigation device. (Figure 2.) AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx 1/4 C wN4'00 I0 LI, ~~ 00C Lr) m Uj 00 LLI 0000 (1 00 0000

Description

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Irrigation system

[0001] The entire content of the specification of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2020903568 as originally filed is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

[0002] This present invention relates to an irrigation system, such as for irrigating soil, plants and/or crops.

Background

[0003] It is known to use irrigation systems to irrigate land, plants and/or crops. Irrigation systems can be used to efficiently and automatically provide controlled amounts of water at selected times.

[0004] A typical, previously proposed irrigation system configured to irrigate a plurality of crop areas may include a plurality of irrigation devices, and a central controller that is in communication with each of the irrigation devices. The irrigation devices may be spaced apart, and each may connected to a common water supply, such as a main supply pipe (or hose or line) carrying water under pressure. A pump may be used to feed the water under pressure through the main supply pipe to each of the irrigators. Each irrigation device may comprise or be associated with an outlet, and may comprises a valve arranged to adjust the flow of water from the main supply pipe through the outlet. The central controller may be configured to control the operation of each of the irrigation devices to provide a controlled amount of water to a respective crop area via the outlet.

[0005] The single controller may be configured to centrally control the operation of all of the irrigation devices to sequentially irrigate the respective crop areas. For example, the controller may control the actuation of the valves of the irrigators to deliver a controlled amount of water to a first crop area, and then to a second crop area and so on.

[0006] The irrigation system described above suffers several drawbacks. The central controller is typically required to be in communication, either wirelessly or via wired

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx connections, with each of the irrigation devices to control the operation of the respective valves. On larger farming properties, for example, the system may comprise many irrigation devices, and some of the irrigation devices may be located relatively long distances away from the central controller, making communication between the controller and at least some of the irrigation devices inefficient and/or impractical.

[0007] Moreover, the central controller is typically configured to operate based on a reference clock or time (such as a "world clock"). The controller may be configured to sequentially turn each of the irrigation devices on and off at discrete periods of time (based on the reference world clock). In consequence, if a user adjusts the duration of the time of operation, such as the start and/or finish time, of one of the irrigation devices to provide more or less water to a crop area and/or to provide water to the crop area at a different time, the start and finish times of any subsequent irrigation devices must be recalculated (based on the world clock) and the controller reconfigured. Such calculations can be complex and overly burdensome.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a simpler irrigation system in which it was possible to adjust the amount of water an irrigation device provides to a crop area, without having to recalculate and reset the start and finish times of subsequent irrigation devices configured to provide water to other crop areas after the first irrigation device has finished.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, it would be desirable to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Summary

[0010] The present invention provides an irrigation device comprising: a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid, such as water, from a fluid supply through a fluid outlet; a controller configured to actuate the flow control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for a predetermined period of time, and, in response to the predetermined period of time ending, to: actuate the flow control device to stop discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and send, or cause to be sent, a signal, such as a start signal, to a first other irrigation device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the first other irrigation device.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

[0011] The controller may be configured to: receive a signal from a second other irrigation device; and in response to receiving the signal, actuate the control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for the predetermined period of time.

[0012] The fluid control device may comprise a valve. In one example, the valve may comprise a gate.

[0013] The fluid control device may comprises an actuator, such as a linear actuator, for actuating the valve to control fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet.

[0014] The irrigation device may comprise a user interface in communication with the controller, the user interface being configured to receive an input from a user to allow the user to set the predetermined period of time.

[0015] The user interface may be configured to allow a user to command the fluid control device to: allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and/or stop discharge of fluid from the fluid supply thorough the fluid outlet.

[0016] The user interface may be configured to allow a user to command the controller to actuate the control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for the predetermined period of time.

[0017] The present invention further provides an irrigation system comprising a network of irrigation devices, each of the irrigation devices comprising: a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the irrigation device; a controller configured to actuate the flow control device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet for a respective predetermined period of time, and, after the predetermined period of time, actuate the flow control device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; wherein the controller of at least a first one of the network of irrigation devices is configured to: in response to the predetermined period of time ending, send, or cause to be sent, a signal to the controller of a second one of the network of the irrigation devices to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device; and to receive a signal from a third one of the network of irrigation devices, and, in response to receiving the signal, to actuate the flow control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device for the respective predetermined period of time.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

[0018] The second one of the network of irrigation devices may be a next and/or succeeding, typically downstream, irrigation device.

[0019] The third one of the network of irrigation devices may be a previous and/or preceding, typically or upstream, irrigation device.

[0020] The controller of the first irrigation device may be configured to wirelessly: send, or cause to be sent, the signal to the second irrigation device; and/or receive the signal from the third irrigation device.

[0021] The controller of the first irrigation device may be configured to: send, or cause to be sent, the signal to the second irrigation device via a wired connection between the first and second irrigation devices; and/or receive the signal from the third irrigation device via a wired connection between the first and third irrigation devices.

[0022] At least the first irrigation device may comprises a user interface in communication with the controller, the user interface being configured to receive an input from a user to allow the user to set the respective predetermined period of time.

[0023] The present invention further provides a method for operating a network of irrigation devices, each of the irrigation devices comprising a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply through a fluid outlet associated with the irrigation device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow control device, the method comprising the controller of a first one of the network of irrigation devices: actuating the flow control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for a first predetermined period of time; and in response to the first predetermined period of time ending: actuating the flow control device of the first irrigation device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device; and sending, or causing to be sent, a signal to a second one of the plurality of the irrigation devices to allow fluid flow from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device.

[0024] The method may comprise a controller of the second irrigation device receiving the signal sent from the first irrigation device, and, in response to receiving the signal, actuating the flow control device of the second irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device for a second predetermined period of time.

[0025] The first predetermined period of time may be different to, or substantially the same as, the second predetermined period of time.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

[0026] The actuation of the flow control device of the first irrigation device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device may overlap, for example coincide or substantially occur simultaneously, with the actuation of the flow control device of the second irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device

[0027] The method may comprise the controller of the first irrigation device: receiving a signal from a third one of the network of irrigation devices; wherein the actuating the fluid control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device for the first predetermined period of time is in response to receiving the signal from the third irrigation device.

[0028] The present invention still further provides a controller for an irrigation device, the irrigation device having or being associated with a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the controller comprising: a first state in which the controller is configured to control the flow control device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet; and a second state in which the controller is configured to control the flow control device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; wherein the controller is configured, in response to at least one of a predetermined period of time ending and a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid supply flowing through the fluid outlet, to: change from the second state to the first state to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and send, or cause to be sent, a signal to a first other irrigation device for causing the first other irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the first other timer.

[0029] The controller may be further configured to: receive a signal from a second other irrigation device; and in response to receiving the signal, change from the first state to the second state to allow fluid to flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet substantially for the predetermined period of time and/or until the predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid supply has passed through the fluid outlet.

[0030] In the description in this specification, reference may be made to subject matter that is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended claims.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an irrigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation system comprising a network of irrigation devices, the irrigation system being schematically shown in cross-section;

Figure 2 is schematic view of an irrigation device of the irrigation system of figure 1, with the irrigation device being schematically shown partly in cross-section to show components of the irrigation device;

Figure 3 is schematic view of a control panel of the irrigation device of figure 2;

Figure 4 is another schematic view of an irrigation device of the irrigation system of figure 1.

Detailed description

Irrigationsystem

[0032] With reference to figures 1-4, an irrigation system 10 for providing water to soil, plants, crop(s) and the like comprises a network 11 of irrigation device or irrigation timers 12. The irrigation system 10 comprises two or more like irrigation devices 12. The example system 10 comprises a plurality of, more specifically, at least four spaced apart devices 12: a first irrigation device 12a, a second irrigation device 12b, a third irrigation device 12c and a fourth irrigation device 12d. By way of non-limiting example only, the irrigation devices 12 may be each be spaced apart by about 50-150 metres from the next device(s) 12 (it being understood the spacing apart of the irrigation devices 12 may varied as required, and could be more or less).

[0033] In the example system 10, the irrigation devices 12 are arranged in series along a water (or other fluid) supply in the form of a main pipeline, or one more hose(s) or other conduit(s), 14 carrying water (or other fluid) under pressure. The pipeline 14 may extend under ground 16, and/or along or above the ground 16. A pump (not shown) may be provided to feed water under pressure through the pipeline 14 as indicated by the arrows 18.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

[0034] Each irrigation device 12 is in fluid communication with the main pipeline 14 for the flow of water between the pipeline 14 and an outlet 20 of or associated with the irrigation device 12. As will be discussed below, each irrigation device 12 is configured to allow water to flow from the main pipeline 14 through the outlet 20 as indicated by the arrows 21 for a respective predetermined period of time. Water discharged from the outlet 20 may then be used, for example, to irrigate soil, plant(s), crop(s) and the like associated with the irrigation device 12.

Irrigationdevices

[0035] Each irrigation device 12 comprises a flow control device 22 arranged to control flow of fluid from the main pipeline 14 to and through the respective outlet 20, a controller 24 in electrical communication with and configured to actuate the flow control device 22 to adjust the flow of water, and a housing 26 arranged to support the controller 24 relative to the flow control device 22. The controller 24 may be configured to countdown from a set predetermined period of time, as discussed below, or be in communication with a separate timer means, or timer, configured to countdown from the set predetermined period of time.

[0036] Each irrigation device 12 may also comprise a power source in the form of a battery 27 (see figure 4) electrically connected and arranged to provide power to components of the device 12, including the flow control device 22 and/or the controller 24. The housing 26 may be arranged to support the power source. The irrigation device 12 may also include one or more solar panels 28 arranged to provide power directly to the flow control device 22 and/or the controller 24, and/or to charge the battery, during the daytime. The solar panel(s) 28 may be located on, and/or be part of or be, a roof of the housing 26. In another example, an external power source may be used to provide power to components of the irrigation device 12.

[0037] Each of the example irrigation devices 12 also comprises or is associated with a respective branch pipe, or hose or other conduit, 30 that extends from the main pipeline 14, to the outlet 20 through which water is discharged. A first end 32 of the pipe 30 is connected to the pipeline 14, and a second open end 34 of the branch pipe comprises or defines, or leads to, the outlet 20. Alternatively, the branch pipe 30, where present, may be integrally formed with the pipeline 14. The device 12 may be generally located above the pipeline 14, such that the pipe 30 extends into, and the second end 34 and the outlet 20, are located within the housing 26. It will be understood

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx by the person skilled in the relevant art that the second end 34 of the pipe 18 / outlet may be connected to or in fluid communication one or more pipes, hoses or other conduits, or other irrigation distribution system, arranged to distribute water provided through the outlet 20 to soil, plant(s) or crop(s) associated with the device 12 as required.

[0038] The flow control device 22 of each irrigation device 12 comprises a means for adjusting the flow of fluid through the outlet 20 in the form of a valve 36 arranged to open and close the outlet 20, and means for opening and closing the valve 36 in the form of an actuator 38. The example valve 36 comprises a valve member 40 arranged to seat and seal against the pipe 30 adjacent the outlet 20 when the valve 36 is closed to stop, or prevent or at least inhibit, discharge of water through the outlet 20. The valve member 40 may be in the form of a plate, such as a disc, or similar part that has a substantially planar, sealing (outlet- or pipe-facing) surface 42 arranged to seat against the pipe 30 adjacent or over the outlet 20 block the outlet 20. A resiliently compressible seal 44, such as a foam seal, is formed on and/or attached to the surface 42, and is arranged to form a seal with the pipe 30. Additionally and or alternatively, the valve member 40 may be arranged to be at least partly received in the pipe 30, and /or to at least partly receive pipe 30, adjacent the outlet 20 to seal against the pipe 30 and block the outlet 20.

[0039] The example actuator 38 is a linear actuator arranged to move the valve member 40 linearly within the housing 26 as indicated by the arrows 46 towards the outlet 20 to close the valve 36 to stop fluid flow, and away from the outlet 20 to open the valve 36 and allow the discharge of fluid. The actuator 38 may be connected to the valve member 40 via a connecting member, in the form of a connecting leg or rod 47. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 38 may be configured to rotate the valve member 40 to open and close the opening at the end 34 of the respective pipe 30.

[0040] However, it will be understood by the person skilled in the relevant art that the flow control device 22 of each of the irrigation devices 12 may comprise other suitable valve(s), valve mechanism(s) and/or actuator(s) to selectively adjust, such as to allow or stop, discharge or alter the flow rate of water through the outlet 20.

[0041] The controller 24 of each device 12 is configured to actuate the flow control device 22 by controlling the operation of the actuator 38, and thereby control the discharge of water from the main pipeline 14 through the outlet 20. The example controller 24 may implement or have at least two states: a first or valve-closed state in which the controller 24 is configured to control the flow control device 22 to substantially

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx stop, or prevent or at least inhibit, water to flow from the pipeline 14 through the outlet , and a second or valve-open 36 state in which the controller 24 is configured to control the flow control device 22 to allow water to flow from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20. In figure 1, the device 12a is schematically shown with the respective valve open to allow water through the outlet 20 associated with the device 12a (corresponding to the respective controller 24 being in the second state, and the valve 36 being in an open configuration), and the other devices 12b, 12c and 12d are schematically shown with the respective valves closed to block the outlets 20 associated with the devices 12a, 12b, 12d (corresponding to the respective controllers 24 being in the first state, and the respective valves 36 being in a closed configuration). However, the person skilled in the relevant art will understand the controller 24 may comprise one or more other states. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second or valve-open state, for example, may comprise a plurality of states, including a state corresponding to the valve 36 being fully open and a state corresponding to the valve 36 being partially open to partially obstruct the outlet 20.

[0042] In operation, the controller 24 of each device 12 is configured, upon changing to the first state, to countdown from a predetermined period of time, as will be discussed below. The predetermined period of time substantially corresponds to the length of time an irrigation device 12 is set to provide water through or via the respective outlet 20. The controller 24 is configured, in response to the predetermined period of time ending or finishing, to: actuate the flow control device 22 to stop, or prevent or at least inhibit, discharge of water from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20; and send or transmit, or cause to be sent or transmitted, an electrical signal to a controller 24 of a next, or succeeding or (typically) downstream, irrigation device 12 to allow discharge of water from the pipeline 14 to an outlet 20 associated with the next device. The controller 24 may be further configured to: receive an electrical signal from a controller 24 of a previous, or proceeding or (typically) upstream, irrigation device 12; and in response to receiving the signal, actuate the control device to allow discharge of water from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20 for the predetermined period of time.

[0043] Each irrigation device 12 also comprises a user interface 48 in the form of a control panel 50 that is in communication with the controller 24, and is configured to

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx receive one or more inputs from a user to allow the user to configure and operate the device 12, including to set the predetermined period of time.

[0044] The example control panel 50 comprises a display or screen 51 in the form of a digital display for displaying the set predetermined period of time and or/other information, and one or more user control and/or input elements in the form of buttons 52 for receiving input from a user. The input buttons 52 of the example control panel include: a close button 52a (for example, labelled "closed") for a user to manually command the controller 24 to close the valve 36 to stop discharge of water from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20; an open button 52b (for example, labelled "open") for a user to manually command the controller 24 to open the valve 36 to allow the discharge of water from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20; a down button 52c (for example, labelled with a down arrow) for a user to adjust (decrease) the predetermined period of time; an up button 52d (for example, labelled with an up arrow) for a user to adjust (increase) the predetermined period of time; and a start button 52e (for example, labelled "start") for a user to start a new irrigation cycle at the irrigation device 12.

[0045] The control panel 50 may have other input buttons to facilitate other options for configuring and/or operating the device.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 48 may be or comprise a touch screen configured to display information and to receive input from a user, and/or the user interface 48 may comprise a wireless interface configured to wirelessly receive input from a user, for example, using a mobile and/or remote computing device, such as by a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) network, infrared, or otherwise. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 48 may comprise one or more ports, such as a USB port, by which a user can input data for the controller 24.

[0047] Each of the example irrigation devices 12 comprises a control unit 53, which is supported by the housing 26, and that comprises and/or is associated with the controller 24 and the control panel 50.

[0048] Each of the example irrigation devices 12 also comprises a junction wiring box 54. The control unit 53 of each irrigation device 12, including the controller 24 and the user interface 48, and the linear actuator 38 are coupled to and in electrical

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx communication with each other via wired connections in the form of wires or cables 56 that extend through the wiring box 54.

[0049] In the example system 10, the network of irrigation devices 12 are arranged in series along the pipeline 14. The controller 24 of each device 12 is arranged to communicate with (to at least send electrical signals to) the next controller 24 via a wired communication network or connection in the form of one or more communication wires or cables 58. The controller 24 of each device 12 is also arranged to communicate with (to at least receive electrical signals from) the previous, or immediately preceding or upstream, controller 24, where present, via a wired communication network or connection in the form of one or more communication wires or cables 58. The communication wires 58 may also extend under ground 16, and/or follow the pipeline 14. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 24 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the next and/or previous irrigation devices 12 via one or more wireless networks, as generally indicated by the reference number 60, to send or transmit the electrical signal to the controller 24 of the next irrigation device 12, and/or to receive the signal from the controller 24 of the next irrigation device 12. For example, the controller 24 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the next and/or previous irrigation devices 12, such as via a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth network, infrared, or otherwise.

[0050] The control unit 53 of the example irrigation device 12 may comprise or be in communication with a transmitter (not shown) and a receiver (not shown) for sending or transmitting signals to the next/downstream irrigation device 12 and receiving signals from the previous/upstream irrigation device 12 respectively.

[0051] Further, by way of non-limiting example only, the control unit 53 may comprise ten electrical inputs/outputs, such as via sockets, plugs and/or other connectors (not shown), for wired connections between the controller 24 and components of the device 12 (for example, wired connection 58 with the next device 12 in and out; wired connection 58 with the previous device 12 in and out; actuator 38 in and out; battery 27 in and out; solar panel 27 in and out). The control unit 53 may comprise other (including more or less) inputs/outlets.

[0052] As will become apparent below, the controller 24 of a first irrigation device 12a in the network may not be in direct communication with a preceding irrigation device. Similarly, the last irrigation device 12d in the network may not be in direct communication with a next irrigation device. That is, the controller 24 of the first irrigation device 12a may not be configured to receive a start signal from a previous

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx irrigation device, and the controller 24 of the last irrigation device 12d may not be configured to send or transmit a start signal a next irrigation device 12. Alternatively, the network of devices 12 may be arranged in a substantially closed continuous loop. That is, a "first" irrigation device 12a in the network may be arranged to receive start signals from a "last" irrigation device 12d, and the last irrigation device 12d may be configured to send/start signals to the first irrigation device 12a so that irrigation may cycle substantially continuously through the devices 12, as will be apparent from the below, until manually stopped by a user.

[0053] It will also be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that one or more of the controllers 24 may be configured to send signals, optionally at substantially the same time, to the controllers 24 of a plurality of downstream irrigation devices 12. For example, some of the downstream irrigation devices 12 may be arranged in parallel to provide water discharged through the respective outlets 20 at the same time. Other arrangements of the network of devices 12 are also possible.

Method of using an irrigation system

[0054] A method of using the irrigation system 10 having a network of at least four irrigation devices 12 that are arranged in series to sequentially irrigate, or provide water (or another fluid), to a plurality of respective, for example, soil or crop areas (not shown), will now be described.

[0055] Each of the controllers 24 of the irrigation devices 12 may initially be in the first (valve-closed) state, with the valve 36 of each device 12 seated against the respective outlet 20 to stop water flowing from pipeline 14 through the outlet 20.

[0056] A user may first set a predetermined period of time for which each irrigation device 12 operates to irrigate a respective crop area using the respective control panel 50. The predetermined period of time (or countdown time) may be stored in memory associated with the controller 24 of the device. By way of non-limiting example only, the control panel 50 may be configured to allow the user to set the countdown time in increments of one minute (or alternatively another time unit) from zero to 99 minutes (it being understood other ranges are possible). As will be apparent from the following, an irrigation device 12 set with a countdown time of 0 minutes will be configured to effectively be bypassed without any water being provided through the outlet 20 of the device 12. On the other hand, an irrigation device 12 set with a countdown time of 60 minutes will substantially operate for 60 minutes to provide water through the outlet 20

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx of the device. Each of the irrigation devices 12 may have a default countdown time (if not otherwise set buy a user).

[0057] Each of the devices 12 allow the user to set the countdown time depending on irrigation requirements, and each of the devices 12 may be set with a different countdown time. For example, the first irrigation device 12 may be arranged to irrigate a relatively large area and may be set to operate for, say, 90 minutes, and another downstream device arranged to irrigate a relatively smaller area may be set to only operate for, say, 60 minutes. By way of non-limiting example only, the first irrigation device 12 of the network of devices may be set to allow for the flow of fluid from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20 of or associated with the device for 90 minutes (the countdown time), the second device may be set to 60 minutes, the third device may be set to 50 minutes and the fourth device may be set to 60 minutes. Alternatively, as set out above, one or more of the devices may be set to zero minutes if the respective crop areas do not require irrigation.

[0058] To start irrigating a user manually presses the start button 52e on the control panel 50 of the first irrigation device 12a to command the controller 24 of the device to change from the first (valve-closed) state to the second (valve-open) state to allow discharge of fluid from the pipeline 14 through the pipeline 14 for the set countdown time for the first irrigation device 12a (90 minutes).

[0059] In response to the start input, the controller 24 of the first device 12a changes from the first state to the second state, and actuates the flow control device 22 of the first device to allow water to flow from the pipeline 14 and through the outlet associated with the first device 12a. The controller 24 controls the actuator 38 to move the valve member 40 and open the valve 36. A pump (not shown), where present, arranged to pump water through the pipeline 14 may be started before, substantially at the same time as or after the first device is started. Water from the pipeline 14 is able to flow through the outlet 20 to provide water to, for example, the respective crop area.

[0060] Water is allowed to flow through the outlet 20 while the controller 24 counts down from the set predetermined period of time for the device 12a (90 minutes), the flow rate through the outlet 20 being largely controlled by the pump head. In response to the controller 24 counting down to zero (the first predetermined period of time ending), the controller 24: (1) automatically changes from the second state to the first state to stop fluid flow from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20 associated with the first device 12a so that the controller 24 actuates the flow control device 22 of the first device to stop

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx water flow from the pipeline 14 through the outlet 20; and (2) automatically sends a start signal to a controller 24 of the next (second) irrigation device 12b to cause the controller 24 of the second device 12b to allow fluid flow from the pipeline 14 to a fluid outlet 20 associated with the second device.

[0061] The controller 24 controls the actuator 38 of the first device 12a to move the valve member 40 and close the valve 36 of the first device.

[0062] In response to receiving the start signal from the controller 24 of the first device 12a, the controller 24 of the second device automatically changes from the first state to the second state, and actuates the flow control device 22 of the second device 12a to allow water to flow from the pipeline 14 and through the outlet 20 associated with the first device. The controller 24 of the second device controls the actuator 38 of the second device to move the valve member 40 and open the valve 36. Water from the pipeline 14 is able to flow through the outlet 20 associated with the second device 12b to provide water to, for example, the respective crop area.

[0063] Advantageously, the actuation of the flow control device 22 of the first irrigation device 12a to stop the flow of water from the pipeline 14 to the outlet 20 associated with the first device 12a overlaps, or coincides or substantially occurs simultaneously, with the actuation of the flow control device 22 of the next device to allow the flow of water from the pipeline 14 to the outlet 20 associated with the second device 12b. That is, advantageously, the valve 36 associated with the first device 12a substantially closes as the valve 36 associated with the second device 12b opens to avoid damaging to the pump, and/or other components of and/or associated with the pipeline 14 and the system 10, due to a build-up of excessive pressure in the pipeline 14.

[0064] The network of knock on irrigation devices 12 continue to operate sequentially to provide water to the respective crop areas, cycling through the irrigation devices 12 in order. In response to the set predetermined time for the second device 12b, ending (50 minutes), the controller 24 of the second device 12c automatically actuates the flow control device 22 of the second device 12b to close the associated valve 36 and stop the flow of water to the associated outlet 20, and sends a start signal to the third device 12c to start operation of the third device 12c to provide water through the associated outlet 20. In response to the set predetermined time for the third device 12c (50 minutes) ending, the controller 24 of the third device automatically closes the associated valve 36 and stops the flow of water to the associated outlet 20, and sends a start signal to the fourth device 12d to start operation of the fourth device 12d to

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx provide water through the associated outlet 20. In response to the set predetermined time for the fourth device 12d (50 minutes) ending, the controller 24 of the fourth device closes the associated valve 36 and stops the flow of water to the associated outlet 20, and sends a start signal to a further device (where present). If the fourth device 12d is the final device, the system 10 may cease operation.

[0065] Advantageously, the independently controlled irrigation devices 12 do not require a central control point/controller 24 and do not need or operate based on a world time. Further, the second, third and fourth (and any further irrigation devices 12) do not need to individually turned off. The second, third and fourth devices are all sequentially automatically turned on and off to deliver water through the respective outlet 20.

[0066] Advantageously, the irrigation system 10 facilitates the simple independent adjustment of the countdown time (operation duration) of a single one of the irrigation devices 12, without having to recalculate and reset the start and/or stop times or any subsequent (next and/or downstream) irrigation devices 12. For example, if a user determines soil and/or a crop associated with the second irrigation device 12 requires more water, the user may, using the control panel 50 at the second device, simply and quickly adjust the predetermined period of time (or countdown time) for the second device 12b from 60 minutes to, say, 80 minutes, without having to reset the following third and fourth devices 12c, 12d. Further, it will be understood by the person skilled in the relevant art that the operation of the system 10 may be started at the second device 12b (or the third or fourth devices 12c, 12d), effectively bypassing the first device 12a (any other preceding irrigation devices 12) by a user pressing the respective start button 52e at the second device 12b (or the third or fourth devices 12c, 12d).

[0067] While various examples of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In that regard, examples of the present invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx individually set forth. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described examples.

[0068] For example, although in the example system 10, the first irrigation device 12a is located upstream of the second, third and fourth irrigation devices 12b, 12c, 12d relative to the direction water is pumped through the pipeline 14, one or more of the second, third and fourth irrigation devices 12b, 12c, 12d may be located upstream of the first irrigation device 12a. For example, the second device 12b may be located upstream of the firstdevice 12a, and/orthe second device 12b may be located upstream of the third device 12d, such as closer to the pump along the pipeline 14, and/or the fourth device 12d may be located upstream of one or more of the first, second and third devices 12a, 12b, 12c. The system 10 may still be configured to sequentially provide water through the outlet 20 of the first device 12a, followed by the second (optionally upstream) second, third and/or fourth devices 12b, 12c, 12d. The person skilled in the relevant art will understand other orders of the irrigation devices 12 relative to each other are possible.

[0069] Further, in some situations a pump may not be required to pump water under pressure through the pipeline 14 when there is sufficient water pressure/head (without a pump).

[0070] Further, the person skilled in the art will understand examples of the irrigation system 10 are not limited to a pipeline 14, such as the pipeline 14 to which a plurality of branch pipes 30 that lead to the irrigation devices 12 are connected. The irrigation system 10 may be readily applied to, for example, a water supply in the form of an open channel or canal system 10 comprising water. Each of the valves 36 of the flow control devices 22 may comprise a valve member 40 in the form of a gate or door arranged to open or close the respective outlet 20 of the channel(s) or canal(s) to let (discharge) water through the outlet 20.

[0071] Further, in an alternative example, one or more of the irrigation devices 12 may comprise a flow sensor arranged to determine the volume or amount of water, such as with reference to the flowrate of the water, from the pipeline 14 that flows through the respective outlet 20. In addition or alternatively to the controller 24 being configured to close the outlet 20 in response to a predetermined period of time ending (discussed above), the controller 24 may be configured to, in response to a predetermined volume (or amount) of water from the pipeline 14 flowing through the fluid outlet 20, to change from the second state to the first state to stop flow of water through the respective outlet 20 and to send or transmit a start signal to the next

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx irrigation device 12. The predetermined volume may again be set, and/or adjusted, via the user interface 48, for example, similar to the control panel 50.

[0072] The term "and/or" as used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification means "and" or "or", or where the context allows both.

[0073] Further, the term "(s)" following a noun as used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

[0074] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0075] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

Claims (19)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An irrigation device comprising: a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply through a fluid outlet; a controller configured to actuate the flow control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for a predetermined period of time, and, in response to the predetermined period of time ending, to: actuate the flow control device to stop discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and send, or cause to be sent, a signal to a first other irrigation device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the first other irrigation device.

2. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: receive a signal from a second other irrigation device; and in response to receiving the signal, actuate the control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for the predetermined period of time.

3. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fluid control device comprises a valve.

4. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve comprises a gate.

5. An irrigation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid control device comprises an actuator, such as a linear actuator, for actuating the valve to control fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet.

6. An irrigation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a user interface in communication with the controller, the user interface being configured to receive an input from a user to allow the user to set the predetermined period of time.

7. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to command the fluid control device to: allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and/or

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx stop discharge of fluid from the fluid supply thorough the fluid outlet.

8. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to command the controller to actuate the control device to allow discharge of fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for the predetermined period of time.

9. An irrigation system comprising a network of irrigation devices, each of the irrigation devices comprising: a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the irrigation device; a controller configured to actuate the flow control device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet for a respective predetermined period of time, and, after the predetermined period of time, actuate the flow control device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; wherein the controller of at least a first one of the network of irrigation devices is configured to: in response to the predetermined period of time ending, send, or cause to be sent, a signal to the controller of a second one of the network of the irrigation devices to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device; and to receive a signal from a third one of the network of irrigation devices, and, in response to receiving the signal, to actuate the flow control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device for the respective predetermined period of time.

10. An irrigation system according to claim 10, wherein the controller of the first irrigation device is configured to wirelessly: send, or cause to be sent, the signal to the second irrigation device; and/or receive the signal from the third irrigation device.

11. An irrigation system according to claim 10, wherein the controller of the first irrigation device is configured to: send, or cause to be sent, the signal to the second irrigation device via a wired connection between the first and second irrigation devices; and/or

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx receive the signal from the third irrigation device via a wired connection between the first and third irrigation devices.

12. An irrigation system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least the first irrigation device comprises a user interface in communication with the controller, the user interface being configured to receive an input from a user to allow the user to set the respective predetermined period of time.

13. A method for operating a network of irrigation devices, each of the irrigation devices comprising a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply through a fluid outlet associated with the irrigation device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow control device, the method comprising the controller of a first one of the network of irrigation devices: actuating the flow control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet for a first predetermined period of time; and in response to the first predetermined period of time ending: actuating the flow control device of the first irrigation device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device; and sending, or causing to be sent, a signal to a second one of the plurality of the irrigation devices to allow fluid flow from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising a controller of the second irrigation device receiving the signal sent from the first irrigation device, and, in response to receiving the signal, actuating the flow control device of the second irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device for a second predetermined period of time.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first predetermined period of time is different to the second predetermined period of time.

16. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the actuation of the flow control device of the first irrigation device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device overlaps with the actuation

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx of the flow control device of the second irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet associated with the second irrigation device

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising the controller of the first irrigation device: receiving a signal from a third one of the network of irrigation devices; wherein the actuating the fluid control device of the first irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet associated with the first irrigation device for the first predetermined period of time is in response to receiving the signal from the third irrigation device.

18. A controller for an irrigation device, the irrigation device having or being associated with a flow control device arranged to control flow of a fluid from a fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the controller comprising: a first state in which the controller is configured to control the flow control device to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet; and a second state in which the controller is configured to control the flow control device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; wherein the controller is configured, in response to at least one of a predetermined period of time ending and a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid supply flowing through the fluid outlet, to: change from the second state to the first state to stop fluid flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet; and send, or cause to be sent, a signal to a first other irrigation device for causing the first other irrigation device to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply to a fluid outlet associated with the first other timer.

19. An irrigation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: receive a signal from a second other irrigation device; and in response to receiving the signal, change from the first state to the second state to allow fluid to flow from the fluid supply through the fluid outlet substantially for the predetermined period of time and/or until the predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid supply has passed through the fluid outlet.

AU complete spec - as filed(21891320.1).docx

FIGURE 1 10

11

12a 12b 12c 60 12d 60 60 60 12 16 21 20 58 12 20 20 12 20 16 58 12 58 1/4

30 30 30 30 18 18 18 18 18 58 14